Man faces graft charges

By BOURA GORUKILA
AN auditor employed with the Office of the Auditor-General appeared before Waigani Committal Court Magistrate Tracy Ganaii yesterday charged with one count of official corruption.
Paulson Undi, from Ialibu in Southern Highlands, was alleged to have, between June 1 to Dec 31 of 2018, corruptly received more than K300,000 from the Goroka development authority (DDA) for himself through his company, Optimax Forensics and Advisory Solutions, by conducting an unauthorised and unsanctioned audit.
There was a formal invitation from Eastern Highlands administration to the Auditor-General’s office to assign one of their auditors to travel to Goroka to audit its business arm, Nokondi Investment.
Undi was authorised by his superior to travel to Goroka for the purpose of conducting an audit on Nokondi Investment’s accounts.
When he arrived in Goroka, he allegedly absconded from his sanctioned task and instead, audited the Goroka DDA’s account at the behest of a former Goroka MP.
Undi’s company Optimax Forensic and Advisory Solutions was paid K398,900 for the unauthorised audit.
A complaint was laid on June 18 at Gordon Police Station and Undi was brought in for questioning.
He was formally arrested and charged with one count of official corruption.
His case was adjourned to July 30 and bail extended.